BBL BroadBand Light Photofacial

IPL, Make Way for BBL

For decades, the simplest way to fade away diffuse widespread discoloration has been IPL (intense pulsed light, also known as photo facial). Standard IPL is still effective, but BBL is the most powerful light technology available today.

What Skin Conditions Can Be Treated with BBL?

Changing "Misbehaving" Skin

Photodamage is the result of ultraviolet light exposure. Cellular changes occur, which tend to recruit more negative cell changes, increasing the way your skin is “misbehaving”. That’s the brown spots, coarse skin, spider veins and tone loss. Broadband Light treatments are designed to combat the effects of aging and help maintain younger skin properties.

In a sense, the BBL procedure reverses many of the negative cell changes and recruits cell behavior that does behave. Periodic BBL treatments keep your skin looking youthful, clear and smooth.

A series of BBL treatments can offer many of the same benefits of a medium depth laser resurfacing or chemical peel without blisters, burns or long recovery time.

How Does BBL Work?

The basic light is full spectrum. By using filters to block different wavelengths of the light, we can specifically fine-tune your treatment to target the skin problems that are unique to you. This is a distinct advantage over traditional IPL phototherapy.

BBL Filters Let Us Specifically Treat:

Reds such as flushing, rosacea and even acne inflammation

Browns such as age spots, freckles and sun spots

Yellow browns such as early diffuse pigmentation from sun exposure

Loss of skin firmness accompanied by fine wrinkles

What Happens After BBL Treatments?

Shortly after treatment, the unwanted pigment granules (melanin) have been thoroughly fragmented without damage to the surrounding tissue. Vascular lesions (spider veins) also coagulate and shrink, many of them disappearing altogether. Skin tone and texture improve as a result of heat deposits into the tissue. In the weeks after treatment, the now tiny melanin particles are eliminated by your body’s own little “clean up” system that absorbs fragmented pigment. Little or no trace of the initial pigmentation spots or spidery veins remain.

What is the BBL Recovery Process Like?

Because the treatment is gentle, there is no interruption of routine activities. Pigment rises to the surface and looks and feels a bit like coffee grounds. Let them exfoliate naturally to avoid interfering with the process which takes generally a little under a week. Trust us – it’s worth the patience.

Broadband Light Therapy - The Path to Better Skin

There are a variety of ways to reduce pigmentation and improve sun damage. Each patient will have a different and individualized recommendation. Your skin type will likely respond better to one type of treatment over another. Whereas BBL is correct for some, your selected skin rejuvenation treatment might be Cosmelan or Photodynamic Therapy or even a series of mild chemical peels. This is where having an experienced dermatologist makes the difference in a successful and safe treatment regimen.

Dr. Fitzgerald always proceeds with the necessary caution that’s required to get the best results – even if this means more frequent visits. BBL treatments stimulate the growth of new collagen, so over the next few months, your skin tone and texture will continue to improve, making it more vibrant and younger looking.

Despite the many “instant fix” promises you hear about, it is often careful and continued slower mix of treatments that keep your skin looking youthful and clear.

Disclaimer: The information throughout this cosmetic dermatology website is not intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided by Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald is intended to provide general information regarding cosmetic treatments including acne treatment, sun spot treatment, acne scar removal, hyperpigmentation, rosacea treatment, vein treatment and more for residents of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Larchmont and throughout the state of California. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact us today for a personal consultation.